News Broadcasting
BARC Report: Aaj Tak becomes Most Watched News Channel
Mumbai: BARC (Broadcast Audience Research Council) is a broadcast research agency, responsible for assessing and disseminating television viewership data. The recently concluded state assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Mizoram have instilled fresh aspirations among news broadcasters. Notably, during election coverage, a significant portion of mainstream news channels garnered distinct audience attention. Against this electoral backdrop, Aaj Tak Hindi news channel has emerged as the top-ranking news channel in terms of viewership, according to BARC data.
Based on three categories for BARC rating points,
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | 03rd December 2023| 07:00 to 12:00 Hrs | Gross AMA’000s
During the key vote-counting hours in 4 states, BARC highlighted the dominance of ‘Aaj Tak’ among news channels. On December 3, 2023, Aaj Tak news channel achieved the highest viewership and claimed the title of the Most Watched news channel. Aaj Tak secured a significant market share of 16.2%, surpassing competitors such as India TV with a 13.9% share and TV9 Bharatvarsh with a 12.5% share.
During Counting Day –
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | 3rd December, 2023 | 07:00 to 24:00 Hrs | Gross AMA’000s
On the election counting day, spanning from early morning until midnight on December 3, 2023, BARC data reaffirmed Aaj Take leading position with a 15% market share. Following closely were TV9 Bharatvarsh with 13.7% and India TV with a 12.2% market share.
During counting week –
Source: BARC | HSM | 15+ | Wk 49’23 | 24 Hours | Gross AMA’000s
Throughout the entire counting week (Week 49, 2023), Aaj Tak channel showcased its dominance with a 13.0% market share, closely trailed by TV9 Bharatvarsh and News18 India, each securing a 12.9% share. Week 49 began on the heels of the highly awaited results announcement for Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana. Aaj Tak capitalised on this surge in national interest, maintaining its top spot throughout the week. This was particularly evident during the crucial days of Exit Poll announcements (November 30) and actual results (December 3).
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
